A would-be thief aimed a shotgun at four people walking through a Dandenong park.
Greater Dandenong CIU Detective Sergeant Dean Hayes said the friends left a party on Potter Street and entered Hemmings Park on Princes Highway just after 1am on Saturday 8 July.
A man carrying the gun approached and pointed the weapon at the group, and demanded their phones and wallets.
One of his victims, a 19-year-old from Carrum Downs, refused and the bandit ran from the scene.
The victim gave chase and flagged down a passing police car.
He described the firearm as similar to a shotgun and its holder as a man of African appearance aged about 18 to 19 years old and 185 centimetres tall with a long black beard and short black hair.
The failed thief was wearing a white cap with the New York Yankees logo in black, a white hooded jacket, black chino pants and black Adidas runners.
Call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 with any information.
